Student jewelry designers sought

EAST COUNTY  In an era when high school arts programs are being contoured or cut, master goldsmith Terry Whyte of Spring Valley is bringing some tactile relief to students.

Whyte, since 1984 the owner of Golden Artistry Jewelry Design in La Mesa, is holding his fifth annual design competition, a benefit for Grossmont Union High School District art programs.

This year’s theme is “Growth,” and students in the Grossmont District are being asked to design a pendant, a brooch or an earring expressing that theme.

Whyte, a 1971 Helix High graduate, is looking for entries for the yearly high school competition by Feb. 28.

The best design will be created in precious metals and gemstones by Whyte and given to the grand prize winner. All finalists will get an invitation to intern at Golden Artistry.

“We want to open the doors to career possibilities and help mentor creative students,” Whyte said.

More than 300 students submitted entries last year, with its theme of “Flight.” Alia Perkins from Santana was the 2012 grand prize winner.

El Cajon Valley led the way with 190 entries last year, and will have 90 this year, due to coaxing from teacher Nicole Travis. She said Whyte’s goal is to help students find a direction. “His goal is to get them in a real, working environment,” she said.

“When I was in high school, I wasn’t allowed to take any art classes,” recalled Whyte. “My parents wanted me to go to college and be a doctor.”

Whyte said it was while he was a student at Grossmont College that he took a crafts class in which he learned the art of silver soldering, leading him to his career.